US20240164448A1 - Flavor inhaler and method for manufacturing flavor inhaler - Google Patents

Flavor inhaler and method for manufacturing flavor inhaler Download PDF

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Publication number
US20240164448A1
US20240164448A1 US18/425,591 US202418425591A US2024164448A1 US 20240164448 A1 US20240164448 A1 US 20240164448A1 US 202418425591 A US202418425591 A US 202418425591A US 2024164448 A1 US2024164448 A1 US 2024164448A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
heat
insulating member
flavor inhaler
heater
inhaler according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
US18/425,591
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English (en)
Inventor
Yasunobu Inoue
Takashi Kominami
Keisuke Morita
Ikuo FUJINAGA
Manabu Yamada
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Japan Tobacco Inc
Original Assignee
Japan Tobacco Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Japan Tobacco Inc filed Critical Japan Tobacco Inc
Assigned to JAPAN TOBACCO INC. reassignment JAPAN TOBACCO INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: YAMADA, MANABU, Fujinaga, Ikuo, INOUE, YASUNOBU, KOMINAMI, TAKASHI, MORITA, KEISUKE
Publication of US20240164448A1 publication Critical patent/US20240164448A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/70—Manufacture
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L59/00—Thermal insulation in general
    • F16L59/02—Shape or form of insulating materials, with or without coverings integral with the insulating materials
    • F16L59/026—Mattresses, mats, blankets or the like
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L59/00—Thermal insulation in general
    • F16L59/06—Arrangements using an air layer or vacuum
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L59/00—Thermal insulation in general
    • F16L59/08—Means for preventing radiation, e.g. with metal foil
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a flavor inhaler and a method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler.
  • the flavor inhaler includes, for example, a chamber that accommodates a flavor generating article and a heater that heats the flavor generating article accommodated in the chamber (see, for example, PTL 1).
  • a heat-insulating member having a porous structure may be used in a flavor inhaler in order to improve the efficiency of a heater in heating a flavor generating article.
  • a heat-insulating member has a characteristic of easily absorbing moisture due to the porous structure. If the heater starts heating the flavor generating article in a state in which the heat-insulating member has absorbed moisture, energy required to evaporate the moisture is additionally consumed. Therefore, with a flavor inhaler having such a heat-insulating member, the energy efficiency in generation of aerosol may decrease, and it may take a longer preheating time to reach a state in which sufficient aerosol is generated.
  • An object of the present invention is to suppress absorption of moisture by a heat-insulating member of a flavor inhaler.
  • a flavor inhaler includes: a chamber that accommodates a smokable article; a heater for heating the smokable article accommodated in the chamber; and a heat-insulating member that suppresses dissipation of heat of the smokable article or the heater to an outside of a device.
  • the heat-insulating member has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and an end surface that connects the first surface and the second surface and that has a smaller area than the first surface or the second surface.
  • the heat-insulating member has a porous structure, and at least the end surface is sealed.
  • the end surface of the heat-insulating member is sealed, it is possible to suppress absorption of moisture by the heat-insulating member, that is, entry of moisture to the inside of the heat-insulating member having a porous structure. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the energy of the heater from being used to heat moisture included in the heat-insulating member, and, as a result, to suppress decrease of energy efficiency.
  • the material surface is directly sealed without accommodating the heat-insulating member in a case or the like, it is possible to suppress increase in the size of a unit including the heat-insulating member.
  • the first surface or the second surface of the heat-insulating member is sealed with a support member.
  • the heat-insulating member may be supported by a support member.
  • the support member may be made of, for example, a resin film, a heat-shrinkable tube, a resin such as PEEK or the like, a metal such as stainless steel or the like, paper, glass, or the like.
  • an entire surface of the heat-insulating member is sealed.
  • the third aspect it is possible to further suppress entry of moisture to the inside of the insulator having a porous structure. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the energy of the heater from being used to heat moisture included in the heat-insulating member, and, as a result, to further suppress decrease of energy efficiency.
  • an internal space of the porous structure is in a decompressed state at normal temperature.
  • the fourth aspect since the internal space of the heat-insulating member having a porous structure is in a decompressed state, the amount of water vapor included in the porous structure is comparatively small. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the energy of the heater from being used to heat moisture (water vapor) included in the heat-insulating member, and, as a result, to further suppress decrease of energy efficiency.
  • the end surface is sealed with a heat-resistant resin.
  • the heat-resistant resin since it is possible to maintain the physical properties of the heat-resistant resin even when the heat-insulating member is exposed to a predetermined high temperature, sealing of the end surface can be maintained when the heat-insulating member is heated by the heater. It is preferable that the heat-resistant resin have heat resistance such that the heat-resistant resin can maintain physical properties thereof at temperatures of, for example, 100° C. or higher.
  • the porous structure is impregnated with the heat-resistant resin from the end surface.
  • the porous structure of the end surface is impregnated with the heat-resistant resin, it is possible to more reliably seal the end surface with the heat-resistant resin. Thus, it is possible to further suppress entry of moisture to the inside of the insulator having a porous structure.
  • the heat-resistant resin is a thermosetting adhesive.
  • the inside of the porous structure of the heat-insulating member can be degassed by heat when the heat-resistant resin is being hardened by heat, it is possible to seal the end surface in a state in which the amount of water vapor in the porous structure has been reduced. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the energy of the heater from being used to heat moisture (water vapor) included in the heat-insulating member, and, as a result, to further suppress decrease of energy efficiency.
  • the adhesive before being hardened by heat, has a property such that a viscosity thereof decreases when heated.
  • the adhesive when the adhesive is heated, it becomes easy to apply the adhesive to the end surface of the heat-insulating member. Moreover, since the viscosity of the adhesive decreases, it becomes easy to impregnate the porous structure of the heat-insulating member with the adhesive. Furthermore, it becomes easy to degas the internal space of the porous structure of the heat-insulating member. Accordingly, with the eighth aspect, it is possible to more reliably seal the end surface with the heat-resistant resin, while maintaining the internal space of the porous structure of the heat-insulating member in a decompressed state.
  • the porous structure is a continuous pore structure.
  • the entirety of the porous structure can be degassed, for example, by sealing the end surface of the heat-insulating member in a state in which the heat-insulating member has been heated and degassed. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the energy of the heater from being used to heat moisture (water vapor) included in the heat-insulating member, and, as a result, to further suppress decrease of energy efficiency.
  • the heat-insulating member includes an aerogel.
  • the heat-insulating member has a comparatively high heat insulation performance, it is possible to further suppress dissipation of heat of the smokable article or the heater to the outside of the device, and it is possible to efficiently heat the smokable article.
  • the heat-insulating member includes a radiation-suppressing agent.
  • the heat-insulating member can suppress heat transfer by heat radiation, it is possible to more efficiently heat the smokable article.
  • the heat-insulating member is a heat-insulating sheet that surrounds the chamber.
  • the heater is configured to heat the smokable article to 200° C. or higher and 400° C. or lower.
  • the thirteenth aspect it is possible to generate an aerosol by appropriately heating the smokable article while suppressing an effect on the heat-insulating member. If the smokable article is heated to lower than 200° C., a sufficient amount of aerosol may not be generated from the smokable article. If the smokable article is heated to higher than 400° C., the heat-insulating member may be negatively affected, depending on the type of the heat-insulating member and the distance between the heater and the heat-insulating member.
  • the heater is disposed on an outer circumference of the chamber.
  • the smokable article is heated by the heater from the outer circumferential side, it becomes easy for the heat of the heater to be transferred to the outer circumferential side. Therefore, as the heat-insulating member suppresses dissipation of heat to the outside of the device, it is possible to maintain heat of the heater further inside of the chamber, that is, on the smokable article side, and it is possible to more efficiently heat the smokable article. Moreover, since the heater is disposed on the outer circumference of the chamber, direct contact of the heater with the smokable article is avoided, and thus soiling of the heater with the smokable article is suppressed.
  • the end surface is positioned at an end portion in an insertion direction of the smokable article into the chamber.
  • a method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler including a heater for heating a smokable article and a heat-insulating member having a porous structure that suppresses dissipation of heat of the smokable article or the heater to an outside of a device is provided.
  • the method for manufacturing the flavor inhaler includes: an application step of applying a thermosetting adhesive to an end surface of the heat-insulating member; a first heating step of heating the heat-insulating member, to which the adhesive has been applied, at a first temperature; a second heating step of heating the heat-insulating member, which has been heated in the first heating step, at a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature to harden the adhesive; and a step of sealing the end surface by performing the second heating step.
  • thermosetting adhesive since it is possible to degas the inside of the porous structure of the heat-insulating member before hardening the thermosetting adhesive in the first heating step, it is possible to reduce the amount of water vapor in the porous structure. Moreover, in the second heating step, it is possible to seal the end surface with the thermosetting adhesive in a state in which the amount of water vapor in the porous structure has been reduced. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress absorption of moisture by the heat-insulating member from the end surface of the heat-insulating member, that is, entry of moisture to the inside of the heat-insulating member having a porous structure. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the energy of the heater from being used to heat moisture included in the heat-insulating member, and, as a result, to suppress decrease of energy efficiency.
  • the first heating step includes a step of inflating air included in the heat-insulating member having a porous structure.
  • the internal space of the heat-insulating member can enter a decompressed state at normal temperature. That is, since the internal space of the porous structure of the heat-insulating member at normal temperature can be in a decompressed state, the amount of water vapor included in the porous structure is comparatively small. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the energy of the heater from being used to heat moisture (water vapor) included in the heat-insulating member, and, as a result, to further suppress decrease of energy efficiency.
  • the first heating step includes a step of decreasing a viscosity of the adhesive that has been applied to the heat-insulating member.
  • the method according to any one of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects includes, before the application step, a step of sealing a first surface of the heat-insulating member or a second surface of the heat-insulating member opposite to the first surface.
  • the nineteenth aspect since the first surface or the second surface of the heat-insulating member is sealed, it is possible to further suppress entry of moisture to the inside of the insulator having a porous structure. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the energy of the heater from being used to heat moisture included in the heat-insulating member, and, as a result, to further suppress decrease of energy efficiency.
  • the method according to any one of the sixteenth to nineteenth aspects includes a step of sealing an entire surface of the heat-insulating member.
  • the twentieth aspect it is possible to further suppress entry of moisture to the inside of the insulator having a porous structure. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the energy of the heater from being used to heat moisture included in the heat-insulating member, and, as a result, to further suppress decrease of energy efficiency.
  • FIG. 1 A is a schematic front view of a flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 B is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 C is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic side sectional view of a consumable article.
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the flavor inhaler taken along line 3 - 3 in FIG. 1 B .
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heat-insulating member of a heat insulator.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a heat insulator disposed around a chamber.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing flow of an atomizer.
  • FIG. 1 A is a schematic front view of a flavor inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 B is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 C is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler 100 according to the present embodiment.
  • an X-Y-Z orthogonal coordinate system may be added to the figures described in the present description. In the coordinate system, the Z axis is oriented vertically upward, the X-Y plane is disposed so as to cut the flavor inhaler 100 in the horizontal direction, and the Y axis is disposed so as to extend from the front side to the back side of the flavor inhaler 100 .
  • the Z axis can be said to be an insertion direction of a consumable article accommodated in a chamber 50 of an atomizer 30 described below, or the axial direction of the chamber 50 .
  • the X-axis direction can be said to be a device longitudinal direction in a plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable article or a direction in which a heater and a power supply are arranged.
  • the Y-axis direction can be said to be a device transversal direction in the plane perpendicular to the insertion direction of the consumable article.
  • a direction parallel to the X-Y plane is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the chamber 50 , and can be said to be a radial direction.
  • a circumferential direction refers to a circumferential direction around the insertion direction of the consumable article or the axial direction of the chamber 50 .
  • the flavor inhaler 100 is configured to generate an aerosol including a flavor by heating, for example, a stick-type consumable article having a smokable article including a flavor source and an aerosol source.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 may be constituted by a slide cover 90 and a body 120 .
  • the body 120 has an outer housing 101 and a switch portion 103 .
  • the outer housing 101 constitutes the outermost housing of the flavor inhaler 100 , and has a size that fits a hand of a user. When using the flavor inhaler 100 , a user can hold the body 120 by hand and inhale the aerosol.
  • the outer housing 101 may be configured by assembling a plurality of members.
  • the outer housing 101 has an opening 101 a into which a consumable article is inserted.
  • the slide cover 90 is slidably attached to the outer housing 101 so as to close the opening 101 a.
  • the slide cover 90 is movable along an outer surface of the outer housing 101 between a closed position for closing the opening 101 a (the position illustrated in FIG. 1 A ) and an open position for opening the opening 101 a (the position illustrated in FIG. 1 B ).
  • a user can move the slide cover 90 to the closed position and the open position by manually operating the slide cover 90 .
  • the slide cover 90 can permit or limit access of the consumable article to the inside of the flavor inhaler 100 .
  • the switch portion 103 is used to switch between on and off of the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 .
  • electric power is supplied from a power supply (not shown) to a heater (not shown), and it is possible to heat the consumable article without burning the consumable article.
  • the switch portion 103 may have a switch provided outside of the outer housing 101 , or may have a switch positioned inside of the outer housing 101 . In a case where the switch is positioned inside of the outer housing 101 , when the switch portion 103 on a surface of the outer housing 101 is pressed, the switch is pressed indirectly. In the present embodiment, an example in which the switch of the switch portion 103 is positioned inside of the outer housing 101 will be described.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 may further have a terminal (not shown).
  • the terminal may be an interface that connects the flavor inhaler 100 with, for example, an external power supply.
  • a power supply included in the flavor inhaler 100 is a rechargeable battery, it is possible to charge the power supply by connecting an external power supply to the terminal to allow an electric current to flow from the external power supply to the power supply.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 may be configured to be capable of transmitting data related to the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 by connecting a data transmission cable to the terminal.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic side sectional view of a consumable article 110 .
  • a smoking system may be constituted by the flavor inhaler 100 and the consumable article 110 .
  • the consumable article 110 includes a smokable article 111 , a tubular member 114 , a hollow filter portion 116 , and a filter portion 115 .
  • the smokable article 111 is wrapped by first wrapping paper 112 .
  • the tubular member 114 , the hollow filter portion 116 , and the filter portion 115 are wrapped by second wrapping paper 113 that is different from the first wrapping paper 112 .
  • the second wrapping paper 113 also wraps a part of the first wrapping paper 112 that wraps the smokable article 111 .
  • the tubular member 114 , the hollow filter portion 116 , the filter portion 115 , and the smokable article 111 are coupled.
  • the second wrapping paper 113 may be omitted; and the tubular member 114 , the hollow filter portion 116 , the filter portion 115 , and the smokable article 111 may be coupled by using the first wrapping paper 112 .
  • a perforation V may be formed in the tubular member 114 and the second wrapping paper 113 covering the tubular member 114 .
  • the perforation V is usually a hole for promoting flow of air from the outside due to inhalation by a user, and the flow of air can lower the temperatures of components and air that flows from the smokable article 111 .
  • a lip release agent 117 for allowing a lip of a user to be easily separated from the second wrapping paper 113 , is applied to an outer surface of the second wrapping paper 113 in the vicinity of an end portion on the filter portion 115 side.
  • a portion of the consumable article 110 to which the lip release agent 117 is applied functions as an inhalation port of the consumable article 110 .
  • the smokable article 111 may include, for example, a flavor source such as tobacco and an aerosol source.
  • the first wrapping paper 112 which wraps the smokable article 111 , may be a sheet member having air-permeability.
  • the tubular member 114 may be a paper tube or a hollow filter.
  • the consumable article 110 includes the smokable article 111 , the tubular member 114 , the hollow filter portion 116 , and the filter portion 115 , but the configuration of the consumable article 110 is not limited to this.
  • the hollow filter portion 116 may be omitted, and the tubular member 114 and the filter portion 115 may be disposed adjacent to each other.
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 taken along line 3 - 3 of FIG. 1 B .
  • the slide cover 90 is in the closed position.
  • an inner housing 10 is accommodated inside of the outer housing 101 of the flavor inhaler 100 .
  • the inner housing 10 may be made of, for example, a resin, and in particular, may be made of polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), a polymer alloy containing a plurality of types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum.
  • the inner housing 10 be made of PEEK.
  • the material of the inner housing 10 is not particularly limited.
  • a power supply unit 20 and the atomizer 30 are provided in the internal space of the inner housing 10 .
  • the outer housing 101 may be made of, for example, a resin, and in particular, may be made of polycarbonate (PC), ABS (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), a polymer alloy containing a plurality of types of polymers, or a metal such as aluminum.
  • the power supply unit 20 has a power supply 21 .
  • the power supply 21 may be, for example, a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery.
  • the power supply 21 is electrically connected to the atomizer 30 via a PCB (Printed Circuit board) or the like (not shown).
  • PCB Print Circuit board
  • the power supply 21 can supply electric power to the atomizer 30 so that the consumable article 110 is heated appropriately.
  • the atomizer 30 includes the chamber 50 that extends in the insertion direction of the consumable article 110 (the Z-axis direction), a heater 40 that surrounds a part of the chamber 50 , a heat insulator 32 , and an insertion guide member 34 having a substantially tubular shape.
  • the chamber 50 is configured to accommodate the smokable article 111 of the consumable article 110 .
  • the chamber 50 be made of a material that has heat resistance and whose thermal expansion coefficient is small.
  • the chamber 50 may be made of a metal such as stainless steel or the like, a resin such as PEEK or the like, glass, ceramics, or the like.
  • a bottom member 36 may be provided at the bottom of the chamber 50 .
  • the bottom member 36 may function as a stopper that positions the consumable article 110 inserted into the chamber 50 .
  • the bottom member 36 has recesses and protrusions at a surface that the consumable article 110 contacts, and may define a space that can supply air to the surface that the consumable article 110 contacts.
  • the material of the bottom member 36 may be, for example, a resin material such as PEEK or the like, a metal, glass, ceramic, or the like, but is not particularly limited to any of these.
  • the material of the bottom member 36 may be a material whose heat conductivity is lower than that of the material of the chamber 50 .
  • the heater 40 includes a sheet-shaped heater for heating the smokable article 111 of the consumable article 110 accommodated in the chamber 50 .
  • the heater 40 is disposed so as to surround the smokable article 111 of the consumable article 110 .
  • the heater 40 may be disposed so as to surround the chamber 50 .
  • the heater 40 is configured to be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the chamber 50 and to heat the consumable article 110 accommodated in the chamber 50 .
  • the heater 40 may further include a heat-insulating member positioned outside of the heater 40 , a shrinkable tube that fixes the heater 40 to the chamber 50 , and the like.
  • the heater 40 is configured to heat the smokable article 111 of the consumable article 110 accommodated in the chamber 50 from the outside.
  • the heater 40 may be provided on an outer surface of a side wall of the chamber 50 or may be provided on an inner surface of the side wall.
  • the heater 40 may be disposed on the outer circumference of the chamber 50 .
  • the heater 40 may surround the chamber 50 so as to be in contact with the outer circumferential surface of the chamber 50 . In this case, since the smokable article 111 is heated by the heater 40 from the outer circumferential side, it become easy for the heat of the heater 40 to be transferred to the outer circumferential side.
  • the heat insulator 32 suppresses dissipation of heat to the outside of the device, it is possible to maintain heat of the heater 40 further inside of the chamber 50 , that is, on the smokable article 111 side, and it is possible to more efficiently heat the smokable article 111 disposed in the chamber 50 . Moreover, since the heater 40 is disposed on the outer circumference of the chamber 50 , direct contact of the heater 40 with the smokable article 111 is avoided, and thus soiling of the heater 40 with the smokable article 111 is suppressed.
  • the heater 40 heat the smokable article 111 to 200° C. or higher and 400° C. or lower.
  • the heater 40 heat the smokable article 111 to 200° C. or higher and 400° C. or lower.
  • the smokable article 111 is heated to lower than 200° C., a sufficient amount of aerosol may not be generated from the smokable article 111 .
  • the heat-insulating member 60 may be negatively affected, depending on the type of the heat-insulating member 60 described below and the distance between the heater 40 and the heat-insulating member 60 .
  • the heat insulator 32 is configured to suppress dissipation of heat of the smokable article 111 or the heater 40 to the outside of the device.
  • the heat insulator 32 is substantially tubular as a whole, and is disposed so as to surround the chamber 50 and the heater 40 .
  • the heat insulator 32 may include, for example, an aerogel.
  • the heat insulator 32 is disposed so as to be separated from the chamber 50 and the heater 40 , and an air layer is formed between the heat insulator 32 , and the chamber 50 and the heater 40 .
  • the insertion guide member 34 is made of, for example, a resin material such as PEEK, PC, ABS, or the like, and is provided between the slide cover 90 in the closed position and the chamber 50 .
  • the flavor inhaler 100 has a first holder 37 and a second holder 38 for holding the heat insulator 32 .
  • the first holder 37 and the second holder 38 may be made of, for example, an elastomer such as silicone rubber or the like. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the first holder 37 holds an end portion of the heat insulator 32 in the positive Z-axis direction. The second holder 38 holds an end portion of the heat insulator 32 in the negative Z-axis direction.
  • the insertion guide member 34 has a function of guiding insertion of the consumable article 110 .
  • the insertion guide member 34 communicates with the opening 101 a of the flavor inhaler 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 B , and guides the consumable article 110 to the chamber 50 as the consumable article 110 is being inserted into the insertion guide member 34 . That is, an end portion of the flavor inhaler 100 on a side on which the opening 101 a is formed constitutes an insertion-side end portion 104 into which the consumable article 110 including the smokable article 111 is inserted.
  • the insertion guide member 34 since the insertion guide member 34 may contact the chamber 50 , it is preferable that the insertion guide member 34 be made of PEEK from the viewpoint of heat resistance.
  • the flavor inhaler 100 has a first chassis 22 , which extends in the Z-axis direction between the power supply 21 and the atomizer 30 , and a second chassis 23 , which extends so as to cover the slide cover 90 side of the power supply 21 .
  • the first chassis 22 and the second chassis 23 are configured to partition a space in which the power supply 21 is accommodated in the inner housing 10 .
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a heat-insulating member of the heat insulator 32 .
  • the heat-insulating member 60 is configured to suppress dissipation of heat of the heater 40 or the smokable article 111 accommodated in the chamber 50 to the outside of the device.
  • the heat-insulating member 60 has a first surface 61 , a second surface 62 , and an end surface 63 .
  • the second surface 62 is a surface opposite to the first surface 61 .
  • the end surface 63 is a surface that connects the first surface 61 and the second surface 62 and that has a smaller area than the first surface 61 or the second surface 62 .
  • the first surface 61 or the second surface 62 is a main surface of the heat-insulating member 60 having the largest area.
  • the heat-insulating member 60 may have a sheet-like shape as a whole.
  • the heat-insulating member 60 has a porous structure.
  • the heat-insulating member 60 may be, for example, a material having hollow spaces therein, such as nonwoven fabric or foam, and, to be specific, may be glass fiber nonwoven fabric, foam of a heat-resistant resin such as melamine, PI (polyimide), or the like. It is preferable that the heat-insulating member 60 include an aerogel. In this case, since the heat-insulating member 60 has a comparatively high heat insulation performance, it is possible to further suppress dissipation of heat of the smokable article 111 or the heater 40 to the outside of the device, and it is possible to efficiently heat the smokable article 111 .
  • the aerogel may include, for example, a porous structure made of fumed silica, a silica aerogel, a carbon aerogel, or the like. The aerogel may be supported by the heat-insulating member 60 having a porous structure.
  • the heat-insulating member 60 include a radiation-suppressing agent.
  • a radiation-suppressing agent As the temperature at which the smokable article 111 is heated increases, contribution of heat transfer by heat radiation increases.
  • the heat-insulating member 60 includes a radiation-suppressing agent, since the heat-insulating member 60 can further suppress heat transfer by heat radiation, it is possible to more efficiently heat the smokable article 111 .
  • the radiation suppression agent may include, for example, a silicon material such as SiC or the like, a metal oxide such as TiO 2 or the like, or a carbon material such as a hydrophobically-treated carbon or the like.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the heat insulator 32 disposed around the chamber 50 .
  • the heat-insulating member 60 be a heat-insulating sheet that surrounds the chamber 50 .
  • the heat-insulating member 60 has a substantially tubular shape so that the second surface 62 faces the chamber 50 side, and is disposed so as to surround the chamber 50 . That is, in the example illustrated in FIG. 5 , the first surface 61 of the heat-insulating member 60 having a tubular shape constitutes an outer circumferential surface.
  • the heat-insulating member 60 when the heat-insulating member 60 has a porous structure, the heat-insulating member 60 can easily absorb moisture. So, in the present embodiment, at least the end surface 63 of the heat-insulating member 60 is sealed as illustrated in FIG. 5 . Since the end surface 63 of the heat-insulating member 60 is sealed, it is possible to suppress absorption of moisture by the heat-insulating member 60 , that is, entry of moisture to the inside of the heat-insulating member 60 having a porous structure. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the energy of the heater 40 from being used to heat moisture included in the heat-insulating member 60 , and, as a result, to suppress decrease of energy efficiency. Moreover, since the material surface is directly sealed without accommodating the heat-insulating member in a case or the like, it is possible to suppress increase in the size of a unit including the heat-insulating member.
  • the end surface 63 be sealed with a heat-resistant resin 65 .
  • a heat-resistant resin 65 since it is possible to maintain the physical properties of the heat-resistant resin 65 even when the heat-insulating member 60 is exposed to a predetermined high temperature, sealing of the end surface 63 can be maintained when the heat-insulating member 60 is heated by the heater 40 .
  • the heat-resistant resin 65 have heat resistance such that the heat-resistant resin 65 can maintain physical properties thereof at temperatures of, for example, 100° C. or higher.
  • the sealing member is not limited to the heat-resistant resin 65 , and the end surface 65 may be sealed with a sealing member made of, for example, a metal or ceramics.
  • the porous structure be impregnated with the heat-resistant resin 65 from the end surface 63 .
  • a predetermined region of an end portion the heat-insulating member 60 is impregnated with the heat-resistant resin 65 from the end surface 63 .
  • the heat-resistant resin 65 be a thermosetting adhesive.
  • the thermosetting adhesive include an epoxy-based adhesive.
  • the heat-resistant resin 65 is not limited to a thermosetting adhesive.
  • the heat-resistant resin 65 may be, for example, a UV-curable resin, an O-ring made of an elastic resin, or a combination of these.
  • the adhesive before being hardened by heat, have a property such that a viscosity thereof decreases when heated.
  • a viscosity of the adhesive decreases, it becomes easy to impregnate the porous structure of the heat-insulating member 60 with the adhesive.
  • the end surface 63 to be sealed is positioned at an end portion in the insertion direction of the smokable article 111 into the chamber 50 .
  • the end surface 63 of the heat-insulating member 60 in the axial direction of the heat-insulating member 60 having a tubular shape that is, the end surface 63 extending in the circumferential direction
  • both end surfaces 63 at both end portions of the heat-insulating member 60 in the axial direction are sealed.
  • the end surface 63 of the heat-insulating member 60 in the circumferential direction that is, the end surface 63 extending in the insertion direction may be sealed with a support member 72 described below.
  • the first surface 61 or the second surface 62 of the heat-insulating member 60 be sealed with a support member. Since the heat-insulating member 60 generally has low rigidity and is fragile, the heat-insulating member 60 may be supported by a support member.
  • the support member may be made of, for example, a resin film, a heat-shrinkable tube, a resin such as PEEK or the like, a metal such as stainless steel or the like, paper, glass, or the like.
  • the first surface 61 or the second surface 62 of the heat-insulating member 60 is sealed with the support member, it is possible to further suppress entry of moisture to the inside of the heat-insulating member 60 having a porous structure. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the energy of the heater 40 from being used to heat moisture included in the heat-insulating member 60 , and, as a result, to further suppress decrease of energy efficiency.
  • the second surface 62 which constitutes an inner circumferential surface of the heat-insulating member 60 , is sealed with a support member 71 .
  • the support member 71 is substantially tubular, and the second surface 62 of the heat-insulating member 60 may be sealed with an outer circumferential surface of the support member 71 .
  • the support member 71 is disposed so as to surround the chamber 50 while being separated from the chamber 50 .
  • the support member 71 may be made of, for example, a resin such as PEEK or the like, a metal such as stainless steel or the like, paper, glass, or the like, and may be held by the first holder 37 and the second holder 38 illustrated in FIG. 3 .
  • the first surface 61 which constitutes an outer circumferential surface of the heat-insulating member 60 , is sealed with the support member 72 .
  • the support member 72 is substantially tubular, and the first surface 61 of the heat-insulating member 60 may be sealed with an inner circumferential surface of the support member 72 .
  • the support member 72 may be, for example, a heat-shrinkable tube or a resin film such as a PI film.
  • the support member 72 may have a function of pressing the heat-insulating member 60 against the support member 71 .
  • the entire surface of the heat-insulating member 60 be sealed.
  • the entire surface of the heat-insulating member 60 is sealed with the support member 71 , the support member 72 , and the heat-resistant resin 65 .
  • the energy of the heater 40 for heating the smokable article 111 from being used to heat moisture included in the heat-insulating member 60 , and, as a result, to further suppress decrease of energy efficiency.
  • the internal space of the porous structure of the heat-insulating member 60 be in a decompressed state at normal temperature.
  • the amount of water vapor included in the porous structure is comparatively small. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the energy of the heater 40 from being used to heat moisture (water vapor) included in the heat-insulating member 60 , and, as a result, to further suppress decrease of energy efficiency.
  • the porous structure of the heat-insulating member 60 be a continuous pore structure.
  • the entirety of the porous structure can be degassed, for example, by sealing the end surface 63 of the heat-insulating member 60 in a state in which the heat-insulating member 60 has been heated and degassed. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the energy of the heater 40 from being used to heat moisture (water vapor) included in the heat-insulating member 60 , and, as a result, to further suppress decrease of energy efficiency.
  • FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the manufacturing flow of the flavor inhaler 100 .
  • the heater 40 is wound around the outer circumference of the chamber 50 (step S 601 ).
  • the heater 40 may have any form.
  • the first surface 61 and the second surface 62 of the heat-insulating member 60 are sealed (step S 602 ).
  • step S 601 and step S 602 are sealed.
  • thermosetting adhesive is applied to the end surface 63 of the heat-insulating member 60 (step S 603 ), and the heat-insulating member 60 , to which the adhesive has been applied, is heated at a first temperature (a first heating step, step S 604 ). Since it is possible to degas the inside of the porous structure of the heat-insulating member 60 by performing the first heating step, it is possible to reduce the amount of water vapor in the porous structure. It is preferable that the adhesive is not hardened by heat in the first heating step. It is preferable that the first heating step include inflating air included in the heat-insulating member 60 having a porous structure.
  • the internal space of the heat-insulating member 60 enters a decompressed state at normal temperature. That is, since the internal space of the porous structure of the heat-insulating member 60 at normal temperature is in a decompressed state, the amount of water vapor included in the porous structure is comparatively small. Therefore, it is possible to further suppress the energy of the heater 40 from being used to heat moisture (water vapor) included in the heat-insulating member 60 , and, as a result, to further suppress decrease of energy efficiency. It is preferable that the first heating step include decreasing the viscosity of the adhesive that has been applied to the heat-insulating member 60 .
  • the heat-insulating member 60 which has been heated in the first heating step, is heated at a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature to harden the adhesive (a second heating step, step S 605 ).
  • the end surface 63 is sealed with the thermosetting adhesive in a state in which the amount of water vapor in the porous structure has been reduced.
  • the entire surface of the heat-insulating member 60 be sealed through step S 603 to step S 605 .
  • the heat insulator 32 is attached to the chamber 50 via, for example, the first holder 37 and the second holder 38 (step S 606 ).
  • the atomizer 30 of the flavor inhaler 100 can be manufactured.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Resistance Heating (AREA)
US18/425,591 2021-10-08 2024-01-29 Flavor inhaler and method for manufacturing flavor inhaler Pending US20240164448A1 (en)

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KR (1) KR20240065274A (enrdf_load_stackoverflow)
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US20230389606A1 (en) * 2018-04-26 2023-12-07 Japan Tobacco Inc. Heater assembly and container

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JP2005291296A (ja) 2004-03-31 2005-10-20 Watanabe Kogyosho:Kk 断熱材および断熱性コンテナ
GB201207039D0 (en) 2012-04-23 2012-06-06 British American Tobacco Co Heating smokeable material
JP6191012B2 (ja) 2013-12-12 2017-09-06 パナソニックＩｐマネジメント株式会社 断熱材
JP7090732B2 (ja) 2018-10-26 2022-06-24 日本たばこ産業株式会社 加熱アセンブリおよびこれを備える香味吸引器
JP7206291B2 (ja) * 2018-10-26 2023-01-17 日本たばこ産業株式会社 吸引装置
CN112969376A (zh) 2018-10-26 2021-06-15 日本烟草产业株式会社 控制单元、气溶胶生成装置、控制加热器的方法和程序以及吸烟用品
JP7228994B2 (ja) 2018-11-15 2023-02-27 株式会社小松製作所 ピストン及び油圧ポンプ・モータ
PL3995015T3 (pl) 2019-07-01 2024-03-04 Japan Tobacco Inc. Zespół grzewczy i inhalator smakowy
US12392445B2 (en) 2019-11-15 2025-08-19 Imae Industry Co., Ltd. Composite type heat insulator and method for producing the same

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20230389606A1 (en) * 2018-04-26 2023-12-07 Japan Tobacco Inc. Heater assembly and container
US12342863B2 (en) * 2018-04-26 2025-07-01 Japan Tobacco Inc. Heater assembly and container

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EP4413877A4 (en) 2025-08-06
KR20240065274A (ko) 2024-05-14
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WO2023058218A1 (ja) 2023-04-13
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JPWO2023058218A1 (enrdf_load_stackoverflow) 2023-04-13

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